Hicks Plumbing & Excavating: What to Know Before You Call

What Hicks Plumbing & Excavating does

Hicks Plumbing & Excavating is a South Carolina-based contractor that handles both plumbing repairs and excavation work. The company takes on residential and commercial jobs—everything from fixing leaks and replacing pipes inside your home to digging trenches, installing septic systems, and moving earth for foundation work or land preparation.

The combination of plumbing and excavation under one roof means they can handle projects that need both skills. If you're installing a new septic system, for example, they dig the site and install the tank and lines. If you need a water line run from the street to your house, they can excavate the trench and lay the pipe in one job rather than coordinating two separate contractors.

Key Takeaways

• Hicks Plumbing & Excavating offers both plumbing services and excavation work, which can simplify projects that require both trades.
• The company handles residential and commercial work, including septic system installation, water line installation, and general plumbing repairs.
• You should contact them directly for a quote, since pricing depends on the scope of work, materials, and site conditions.
• Having both services available from one contractor can reduce scheduling conflicts and coordination headaches on larger projects.

Plumbing services they offer

On the plumbing side, Hicks handles repair and replacement work. This includes fixing leaks in supply lines, replacing worn-out fixtures, repairing or replacing water heaters, and addressing drainage problems. They work on both old and new construction, so whether you're dealing with galvanized steel pipes in a 1970s house or PEX lines in a newer home, they have the experience to diagnose and fix the issue.

For larger plumbing projects—like rerouting pipes through a wall, upgrading from well water to municipal service, or installing new bathrooms—they can handle the full scope. They also work on commercial plumbing systems, which often involve different codes and more complex layouts than residential work.

Excavation and site work

The excavation side of the business covers land preparation, trenching, and heavy equipment work. Common projects include digging foundations, installing septic systems (which requires both the excavation to place the tank and the plumbing to connect it), running utility lines underground, and grading property for drainage or building access.

Septic system work is a significant part of their business—particularly in rural South Carolina areas where municipal sewer lines don't reach. Installing a septic system requires permits, site evaluation, proper tank placement, and correct drain field installation. Having the excavation and plumbing expertise in-house means the system is designed and installed as a coordinated whole rather than pieced together by different contractors.

When to call Hicks instead of a general contractor

If your project is primarily plumbing or excavation, calling Hicks directly can save time and money compared to hiring a general contractor who then subcontracts the work. You deal with one company, one invoice, and one point of contact for scheduling and problem-solving.

This is especially true for projects that blend both services—septic installation, water line installation from the street to your house, or foundation work that requires both excavation and plumbing rough-in. A general contractor would need to hire both trades separately, coordinate their schedules, and mark up their fees. Calling Hicks means both trades are already on the same team.

How to get a quote

Contact Hicks Plumbing & Excavating directly to describe your project. Be ready to explain what you need—whether it's a repair, a replacement, or new installation—and where the work is located. For excavation work, details about site access, soil conditions, and the scope of digging help them give you an accurate estimate.

Pricing varies widely depending on materials, labor, equipment rental (for excavation), and how complex the job is. A simple leak repair costs far less than installing a new septic system or running a water line 200 feet from the street. Getting a quote from Hicks lets you compare their price and timeline against other contractors in your area.

What to have ready before you call

For plumbing work, have a clear description of the problem—where the leak is, what's not draining, or which fixture isn't working. If you know how old your house is or what type of pipes you have (copper, PVC, galvanized steel), mention it. Photos of the problem area can help too.

For excavation or septic work, know your property lines, any existing utility locations (call 811 before digging to have utilities marked), and what you're trying to accomplish. If you need a permit—which most septic and water line work does—Hicks can advise you on that process, but having your property deed or survey on hand speeds things up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for plumbing work?

Most plumbing repairs and replacements in South Carolina require a permit, though some minor fixes may not. Hicks can tell you what your specific job needs. Permits protect you by ensuring the work meets code and is inspected, which matters if you ever sell your house or file an insurance claim.

What's involved in installing a septic system?

A septic system needs a tank (usually 1,000 to 2,000 gallons), a drain field, and proper distance from wells and property lines. The site must be evaluated for soil type and water table. Hicks handles the excavation, tank placement, and plumbing connections, plus they know the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) rules that govern septic installation.

Can they install a water line from the street to my house?

Yes. This involves excavating a trench from the municipal water line to your home, laying the appropriate pipe (usually PEX or copper), and connecting it to your house plumbing. The depth and routing depend on frost lines and existing obstacles, which is why having both excavation and plumbing expertise matters.

How long does a typical project take?

A simple repair might take a few hours. A water line installation could take a day or two. A full septic system installation typically takes several days, depending on site conditions and whether permits require inspections between stages. Hicks can give you a timeline when you get your quote.

Do they work on weekends or evenings?

Contact them directly to ask about availability outside standard business hours. Emergency plumbing calls (burst pipes, backed-up sewage) may have different rates or response times than scheduled work.